Method for measuring carbohydrate metabolism ability, and composition for use in said method

ABSTRACT

This invention provides a method for measuring glucose metabolism ability of a subject and a composition that is suitably used in the method. The method for measuring glucose metabolism ability of the present invention is as follows: a method for measuring glucose metabolism ability of a subject, using a composition for measuring glucose metabolism ability, the composition comprising, as an active ingredient, glucose labeled with at least one isotope of C, wherein the glucose is converted in the body into labeled carbon dioxide that is excreted in expired air, the method comprising steps (a) and (b) below:
     (a) administering the composition to the subject and collecting expired air; and   (b) determining the ratio of labeled CO 2  amount to unlabeled CO 2  amount or the ratio of labeled CO 2  amount to total CO 2  amount.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a method for measuring glucose metabolism ability of a subject, and a composition that is suitably used in the method. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method for measuring and monitoring glucose metabolism ability of a subject with a labeled C-breath test using ¹³C etc., and a composition that is suitably used in the method. The present invention also relates to a method for determining a stage after onset or diabetes or/and a stage before onset of diabetes (hereafter, in the present specification, a stage after onset of diabetes and a stage before onset of diabetes may be collectively referred to as “diabetes stage”) by measuring glucose metabolism ability of a subject with a labeled C-breath test.

BACKGROUND ART

In diagnosis of diabetes, it is common that first, primary screening is conducted with a urine glucose test or a fasting blood glucose level test, and, if such tests are positive a glucose tolerance test is performed to make a definite diagnosis. In recent years, HbAlC or fructosamine in the blood may also be tested before a glucose tolerance test using glucose.

However, the hitherto known methods, such as a urine glucose test and a fasting blood glucose level test, have the problem of low sensitivity since they show negative results of urine glucose and normal blood glucose levels for many diabetic patients, and thus overlook many cases of diabetic patients. Accordingly, the hitherto known methods are insufficient from the standpoint of preventive medicine for the reason that they cannot determine a state in which diabetes has not yet developed, but that is in a stage before onset of diabetes. In addition, although the glucose tolerance test using glucose is an excellent test, side effects caused by administration of a large amount of glucose have been indicated. Additionally, this test requires subjects to be restrained for several hours, and for blood to be repeatedly collected. Because this therefore imposes a great physical burden on subjects, this test can only actually be carried out on a limited number of subjects. Further, the results of HbAlC or fructosamine cannot be known until the next hospital visit, thus posing the drawback of insufficient rapidity.

Diagnosis of diabetes type (insulin dependent or noninsulin-dependent), determination of therapeutic strategy, and tests for evaluating the effect of treatment for diabetes are hitherto performed by mainly measuring blood insulin concentration, c-peptide in the blood or urine, blood glucose level in the glucose tolerance test using glucose, or change in blood insulin concentration over time. As described above, however, since the glucose tolerance test using glucose imposes a great physical burden on subjects, it is not actually conducted often. The result of blood insulin concentration or c-peptide in the blood or urine cannot be known until the next hospital visit; therefore, the rapidity of such tests is insufficient.

Meanwhile, applying measurement of ¹³CO₂ excreted in expired air as carbon dioxide after administration of ¹³C-labeled glucose, i.e., a labeled C-breath test, to diagnosis of diabetes has been proposed (see Patent Literature 1 to 3). More specifically, Patent Literature 1 discloses a method for diagnosing the presence or absence of diabetes and the type of diabetes (type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes) by performing a breath test using glucose in which the carbon at a specific position is replaced by ¹³C, and determining the degree of increase in ¹³CO₂ concentration excreted in expired air. Patent Literature 2 and 3 discloses performing a breath test using ¹³C-labeled glucose as in Patent Literature 1 and diagnosing a diabetic patient, an insulin-resistant patient, or a impaired glucose tolerance patient by using, as an index, the ratio of ¹³C to ¹²C (¹³C/¹²C) in expired air that is lower than the ratio or a healthy subject, the ratio being calculated from the concentration of ¹³CO₂ excreted in the expired air.

However, none of these documents disclose or suggest that glucose metabolism ability of a subject can be detected with high accuracy with a labeled-C-breath test using glucose, allowing not only the stage of a patient in whom diabetes has developed to be determined and monitored, but also a stage before onset of diabetes.

Patent Literature 4 discloses a method in which ²H-labeled glucose is administered to a subject, the total amount of denterated water (²H₂O) in the subject is measured, and a value obtained by dividing the total amount of deuterated water (²H₂O) by the amount of insulin or the area under the curve of insulin concentration (insulin AUC) is used as an index to determine insulin resistance in the subject. Parent Literature 5 discloses a method in which the product of the area under the curve of insulin concentration (insulin AUC) and the area under the curve of glucose concentration (glucose AUC) (“insulin AUC×glucose AUC”) is determined from the blood glucose level and insulin concentration measured after administration of a food for testing, and the obtained value is used as an index to determine insulin resistance in a subject.

As described above, these documents disclose that the area under the curve of insulin concentration (insulin AUC) is taken into consideration for evaluation of insulin resistance in a subject; however, none of these documents disclose or suggest that glucose metabolism ability of a subject can be detected with high accuracy with a labeled C-breath test using glucose, allowing not only a stage of a patient in whom diabetes has developed to be determined and monitored, but also a stage before onset of diabetes.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

PTL 1: JPH10-067689A

PTL 2: JP2002-513911A

PTL 3: JP2008-292506A

PTL 4: JP2006-543787A

PTL 5: JP2010-044093A

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

An object of the present invention is to provide a method for detecting glucose metabolism ability of a subject rapidly and with high accuracy with a labeled C-breath test using isotope-labeled glucose. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for determining and monitoring not only a stage of a patient in whom diabetes has developed, but also a stage before onset of diabetes.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a composition for measuring glucose metabolism ability for use in the above-described methods.

Solution to Problem

The present inventors conducted extensive research to achieve the above objects, and found that glucose metabolism ability of a subject can be measured rapidly and with high accuracy based on the behavior of the amount of isotope-labeled carbon dioxide (CO₂) excreted in expired air after administration of isotope-labeled glucose and the behavior of the abundance of carbon dioxide contained in the expired air (the ratio of labeled CO₂ amount to unlabeled CO₂ amount or the ratio of labeled CO₂ amount to total CO₂ amount), the abundance being calculated from the amount of isotope-labeled carbon dioxide (CO₂) excreted in the expired air. The present inventors also found that not only a stage of a patient in whom diabetes has developed can be determined and monitored over time by using the thus-obtained glucose metabolism ability of the subject as an index, but also a stage before onset of diabetes. Further, the present inventors found that the treatment effect of a drug (therapeutic agent for diabetes) on a diabetic patient can be determined and monitored over time by using the subject's glucose metabolism ability as an index. The present invention has been accomplished based on these findings.

More specifically, the present invention includes the following embodiments:

(1) Method for Measuring Glucose Metabolism Ability

-   (1-1) A method for measuring glucose metabolism ability of a     subject, comprising steps (a) and (b) below: -   (a) administering a composition to a subject and collecting expired     air, the composition comprising, as an active ingredient, glucose     labeled with at least one isotope of C, wherein the glucose is     converted in the body into labeled carbon dioxide that is excreted     in expired air; and -   (b) determining the ratio of labeled CO₂ amount to unlabeled CO₂     amount contained in the expired air or the ratio of labeled CO₂     amount to total CO₂ amount contained in the expired air.

As described below, step (b) can be performed by determining, for example, Δ % ¹³ C (amount of change in ¹³C concentration: atom %) or Δ¹³C value (amount of change in δ¹³C value %.

(1-2) The method for measuring glucose metabolism ability according to (1-1), further comprising step (c) below:

-   (c) comparing “the ratio of labeled CO₂ amount to unlabeled CO₂     amount or total CO₂ amount contained in the expired air” obtained in     the subject in step (b) (subject value) with “the ratio of labeled     CO₂ amount to unlabeled CO₂ amount contained in the expired air or     the ratio of labeled CO₂ amount to total CO₂ amount contained in the     expired air” of a healthy subject (control value), and determining     that the glucose metabolism ability of the former subject is     decreased when the subject value is lower than the control value,     and that the glucose metabolism ability of the former subject is     enhanced when the subject value is higher than the control value. -   (1-3) The method for measuring glucose metabolism ability according     to (1-1) or (1-2), wherein the isotope is ¹³C. -   (1-4) The method for measuring glucose metabolism ability according     to any one of (1-1) to (1-3), wherein the dosage form of the     composition is an oral dosage form or an injectable dosage form. -   (1-5) The method for measuring glucose metabolism ability according     to any one of (1-1) to (1-4), wherein a subject in a glucose-loaded     state is subjected to step (a). -   (1-6) The method for measuring glucose metabolism ability according     to (1-5), wherein the subject in a glucose-loaded state is a subject     that has taken, before step (a), a saccharide, or a food or beverage     comprising a saccharide or a component that is metabolized to a     saccharide. -   (1-7) The method for measuring glucose metabolism ability according     to (1-6), wherein the food or beverage is a liquid, semi-liquid, or     solid food or beverage comprising at least one member selected from     the group consisting of proteins (including semi-digested proteins),     amino acids, fats, electrolytes, trace elements, and vitamins, in     addition to a saccharide or a component that is metabolized to a     saccharide.

(2) Method for Detecting a Stage After Onset of Diabetes and a Stage Before Onset of Diabetes.

-   (2-1) A method for detecting a stage before onset of diabetes or/and     a stage after onset of diabetes in a subject, using, as an index,     glucose metabolism ability of the subject obtained by the method for     measuring glucose metabolism ability according to any one of (1-1)     to (1-7).

Hereafter, in the present specification, “a stage before onset of diabetes or/and a stage after onset of diabetes” may be collectively referred to as “diabetes stage”.

-   (2-2) The method for detecting a diabetes stage according to (2-1),     comprising the step of determining that a subject whose glucose     metabolism ability is determined to be enhanced by the method for     measuring glucose metabolism ability according to any one of (1-2)     to (1-7) is in a stage before onset of diabetes.

More specifically, the method of the present invention can be restated as described in [2-a] to [2-g] below.

-   [2-a] A method for detecting a diabetes stage in a subject, the     method comprising steps (a) to (c′) below: -   (a) administering a composition to a subject and collecting expired     air, the composition comprising, as an active ingredient, glucose     labeled with at least one isotope of G (labeled C-glucose), wherein     the glucose is converted in the body into labeled carbon dioxide     that is excreted in expired air; -   (b) determining the ratio of labeled CO₂ amount to unlabeled CO₂     amount contained in the expired air or the ratio of labeled CO₂     amount to total CO₂ amount contained in the expired air; and -   (c′) comparing “the ratio of labeled CO₂ amount to unlabeled CO₂     amount contained in the expired air or the ratio of labeled CO₂     amount to total CO₂ amount contained in the expired air” (Δ %     ¹³C(atom %) or Δ¹³C value(‰)) obtained in the subject in step (b)     (subject value) with “the corresponding ratio of labeled CO₂ amount     to unlabeled CO₂ amount contained in the expired air or the     corresponding ratio of labeled CO₂ amount to total CO₂ amount     contained in the expired air” (Δ % ¹³C(atom %) or Δ¹³C value(‰)) of     a healthy subject (control value), and determining that diabetes has     developed in the for/tier subject when the subject value is lower     than the control value, and that the former subject is in a stage     before onset of diabetes when the subject value is higher than the     control value. -   [2-b] The method according to [2-a], wherein the isotope is ¹³C. -   [2-c] The method according to [2-a] or [2-b] , wherein the dosage     form of the composition is an oral dosage form or an injectable     dosage form. -   [2-d] The method according to any one of [2-a] to [2-c], wherein a     subject in a glucose-loaded state is subjected to step (a). -   [2-f] The method according to [2-d], wherein the subject in a     glucose-loaded state is a subject that has taken, before step (a) a     saccharide, or a food or beverage comprising a saccharide or a     component that is metabolized to a saccharide. -   [2-g] The method according to [2-f] , wherein the food or beverage     is a liquid, semi-liquid, or solid food or beverage comprising at     least one member selected from the group consisting of proteins     (including semi-digested proteins), amino acids, fats, electrolytes,     trace elements, and vitamins, in addition to a saccharide or a     component that, is metabolized to a saccharide.

In addition to the above method, the method for detecting a diabetes stage of the present invention can also be performed by the methods described in (2-3) to (2-6) below.

-   (2-3) The method according to (2-1), wherein [an area under the     Δ¹³C(‰)-expired air collection time t curve (Δ¹³C(‰)AUC_(t)] or a     Δ¹³C(‰) value at at least one point in time (t) after test sample     administration (Δ¹³(‰)_(t)) is used as an index of glucose     metabolism ability of a subject obtained by the method for measuring     glucose metabolism ability according to any one of (1-1) to (1-6),     and a stage before onset of diabetes or/and a stage after onset of     diabetes in the subject is detected from a correlation between a     blood glucose level of the subject, and a value obtained by dividing     the Δ¹³C(‰)AUC_(t) or the Δ¹³C(‰)_(t) by an insulin concentration of     the subject (“Δ¹³C(‰)AUC_(t)/insulin” or “Δ¹³C(‰)_(t)/insulin”) . -   (2-4) The method according to (2-3), wherein the at least one point     in time (t) after test sample administration is at least one point     in time within 120 minutes after test sample administration. -   (2-5) The method according to (2-3) or (2-4), wherein the at least     one point in time (t) after test sample administration is at least     one point in time 10 minutes or more after test sample     administration. -   (2-6) The method according to any one of (2-3) to (2-5), comprising     the step of determining that a subject is in a step before onset of     diabetes or in a stage after onset of diabetes when the     “Δ¹³C(‰)AUC_(t)/insulin” or “Δ¹³C(‰)_(t)/insulin” of the subject is     lower than the “Δ¹³C(‰)AUC_(t)/insulin” or “Δ¹³C(‰)_(t)/insulin” of     a healthy subject.

(3) Method for Detecting the Effect of Treatment for Diabetes on a Diabetic Patient

-   (3-1) A method for detecting the effect of treatment for diabetes on     a diabetic patient receiving the treatment for diabetes, using, as     an index, glucose metabolism ability of the diabetic patient     obtained by the method for measuring glucose metabolism ability     according to any one of (1-1) to (1-6). -   (3-2) The method according to (3-1), comprising the step of     comparing glucose metabolism ability of a subject measured before     treatment for diabetes with glucose metabolism ability of the     subject measured after the treatment for diabetes, and determining     that the treatment for diabetes is effective in the subject based on     an increase in glucose metabolism ability after the treatment for     diabetes compared with glucose metabolism ability before the     treatment for diabetes.

More specifically, the method of the present invention can be restated as described in [3-a] to [3-g] below.

-   [3-a] A method for detecting the effect of treatment for diabetes on     a diabetic patient, the method comprising the steps (a′), (b),     and (d) below: -   (a′) administering a composition to the subject before and after the     treatment for diabetes and collecting expired air, the composition     comprising, as an active ingredient, glucose labeled with at least     one isotope of C (labeled C-glucose), wherein the glucose is     converted in the body into labeled carbon dioxide that is excreted     in expired air; -   (b) determining the ratio of labeled CO₂ amount to unlabeled CO₂     amount contained in the expired air before and after the treatment     for diabetes, or the ratio of labeled CO₂ amount to total CO₂ amount     contained in the expired air before and after the treatment for     diabetes; and -   (d) comparing “the ratio of labeled CO₂ amount to unlabeled CO₂     amount contained in the expired air or the ratio of labeled CO₂     amount to total CO₂ amount contained in the expired air” (Δ %     ¹³C(atom %) or Δ¹³ C value (‰)) obtained in the subject after the     treatment for diabetes in step (b) (subject value) with “the     corresponding ratio of labeled CO₂ amount to unlabeled CO₂ amount     contained in the expired air or the corresponding ratio of labeled     CO₂ amount to total CO₂ amount contained in the expired air” (Δ %     ¹³C(atom %) or Δ¹³C value (‰)) obtained in the subject before the     treatment for diabetes in step (b) (control value), and determining     that the treatment for diabetes is effective in the subject when the     subject value is higher than the control value, and that the     treatment for diabetes is not effective in the subject when the     subject value is the same as or lower than the control value. -   [3-b] The method according to [3-a], wherein the isotope is ¹³C. -   [3-c] The method according to [3-a] or [3-b], wherein the dosage     form of the composition is an oral dosage form or an injectable     dosage form. -   [3-d] The method according to any one of [3-a] to [3-c], wherein a     subject in a glucose-loaded state is subjected to step (a′). -   [3-f] The method according to [3-d], wherein the subject in a     glucose-loaded state is a subject that has taken, before step (a′),     a saccharide, or a food or beverage comprising a saccharide or a     component that is metabolized to a saccharide. -   [3-g] The method according to [3-f], wherein the food or beverage is     a liquid, semi-liquid, or solid food or beverage comprising at least     one member selected from the group consisting of proteins (including     semi-digested proteins), amino acids, fats, electrolytes, trace     elements, and vitamins, in addition to a saccharide or a component     that is metabolized to a saccharide.

(4) Composition for Measuring Glucose Metabolism Ability

-   (4-1) A composition for measuring glucose metabolism ability, the     composition comprising, as an active ingredient, glucose labeled     with at least one isotope of C, wherein the glucose is converted in     the body into labeled carbon dioxide that is excreted in expired     air. -   (4-2) The composition for measuring glucose metabolism ability     according to (4-1), wherein the isotope is ¹³C. -   (4-3) The composition for measuring glucose metabolism ability     according to (4-1) or (4-2), wherein the dosage form of the     composition is an oral dosage form or an injectable dosage form.

(5) Use of Labeled G-Glucose

-   (5-1) Use of glucose labeled with at least one isotope of C for the     production of a composition for measuring glucose metabolism ability     with a breath test, (composition for measuring glucose metabolism     ability), wherein the glucose is converted in the body into labeled     carbon dioxide that is excreted in expired air. -   (5-2) The use according to (5-1), wherein the measurement of glucose     metabolism ability is performed by the method according to (1-6) or     (1-7). -   (5-3) Use of glucose labeled with at least one isotope of C for the     production of a composition for determining a stage before onset of     diabetes or/and a stage after onset of diabetes with a breath test     (composition for determining a diabetes stage), wherein the glucose     is converted in the body into labeled carbon dioxide that is     excreted in expired air. -   (5-4) The use according to (5-3), wherein the determination of a     stage before onset of diabetes or/and a stage after onset of     diabetes is performed by the method according to any one of (2-1) to     (2-6) and (2-a) to (2-g). -   (5-5) Use of glucose labeled with at least one isotope of G for the     production of a composition for detecting the effect of treatment     for diabetes on a diabetic patient with a breath test (composition     for detecting the effect of treatment for diabetes), wherein the     glucose is converted in the body into labeled carbon dioxide that is     excreted in expired air. -   (5-6) The use according to (5-5), wherein the detection of the     effect of treatment for diabetes is performed by the method     according to any one of (3-1), (3-2), and (3-a) to (3-g).

(6) Use of Labeled C-Glucose or Composition Comprising Labeled C-Glucose

-   (6-1) Glucose labeled with at least one isotope of C or a     composition comprising the glucose as an active ingredient for use     in measurement of glucose metabolism ability with a breath test,     wherein the glucose is converted in the body into labeled carbon     dioxide that is excreted in expired air. -   (6-2) The glucose or composition according to (6-1), wherein the     measurement of glucose metabolism ability is performed by the method     according to (1-6) or (1-7). -   (6-3) Glucose labeled with at least one isotope of C or a     composition comprising the glucose as an active ingredient for use     in determination of a stage before onset of diabetes or/and a stage     after onset of diabetes with a breath test, wherein the glucose is     converted in the body into labeled carbon dioxide that is excreted     in expired air. -   (6-4) The glucose or composition according to (6-3), wherein the     determination of a stage before onset of diabetes or/and a stage     after onset of diabetes is performed by the method according to any     one of (2-1) to (2-6) and (2-a) to (2-g). -   (6-5) Glucose labeled with at least one isotope of C or a     composition comprising the glucose as an active ingredient for use     in detection of the effect of treatment for diabetes on a diabetic     patient with a breath test, wherein the glucose is converted in the     body into labeled carbon dioxide that is excreted in expired air. -   (6-6) The glucose or composition according to (6-5), wherein the     detection of the effect of treatment for diabetes is performed by     the method according to any one of (3-1), (3-2), and (3-a) to (3-g).

Advantageous Effects of Invention

The method of the present invention makes it possible to measure and evaluate glucose metabolism ability of a subject rapidly and with high accuracy. The accuracy and rapidity can be further improved by performing the method of the present invention on a subject under glucose-loaded conditions and/or employing intravenous administration, rather than oral administration, as the administration route of labeled C-glucose as a test substance.

In addition, the method of the present invention makes it possible to determine not only a stage of a patient in whom diabetes has developed, but also whether a subject is in a stage-before onset of diabetes, and monitor the state (diabetes condition including a state before onset of diabetes) over time, by using the thus-measured glucose metabolism ability of the subject as an index. In particular, the diabetes stage can be determined and evaluated in a short period of time, i.e., preferably within 60 minutes and more preferably within 30 minutes after the start of a test (administration of a composition comprising, as an active ingredient, glucose labeled with at least one isotope of C). Therefore, the method of the present invention can reduce a subject's physical or mental burden while making it unnecessary to restrain the subject for a long period of time.

Further, the method of the present invention makes it possible to determine the effect of treatment for diabetes on a diabetic patient receiving the treatment for diabetes and monitor the effect of the treatment for diabetes over time, by using glucose metabolism ability of the subject as an index. According to the present invention, the effect of treatment for diabetes can be determined and evaluated in a short period of time, i.e., preferably within 120 minutes, more preferably within 60 minutes, and still more preferably within 30 minutes after the start of a test (administration of a composition comprising, as an active ingredient, glucose labeled with at least one isotope of C). Therefore, the method of the present invention can, in determining the effect of treatment for diabetes, reduce a subject's physical or mental burden, while making it unnecessary to restrain the subject for a long period of time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates the results of Experimental Example 1. FIG. 1 shows changes in Δ¹³C(‰) in expired air measured after the ¹³C-glucose solutions were individually administered to each of the four groups of rats (1-¹³C-Glc-administration group, 2-¹³C-Glc-administration group, 3-¹³C-Glc-administration group, and U-¹³C-Glc-administration group). In FIG. 1, the Δ¹³C(‰) in the expired air is plotted on the ordinate, whereas the expired air collection time (t) (minutes) after the administration of each ¹³C-glucose solution is plotted on the abscissa.

FIG. 2 illustrates the results of Experimental Example 2. FIG. 2 snows changes in Δ¹³C(‰) in expired air measured after a U-¹³C-glucose solution for oral administration was administered to four groups of rats (Group A: healthy group, Group B: diabetes severe onset group, Group C: diabetes moderate onset group, and Group D; diabetes pre-onset stage group; the same applies to FIGS. 3 and 4 below). In FIG. 2, the Δ¹³C (‰) in the expired air is plotted on the ordinate, whereas the expired air collection time (t) (minutes) after the administration of the U-¹³C-glucose solution for oral administration is plotted on the abscissa. The same applies to FIGS. 5 to 13 below.

FIG. 3 illustrates the results of Experimental Example 2. FIG. 3 shows the correlation between, each “blood glucose level (mg/dL)” of the four groups of rats (on the abscissa) and each value obtained by dividing the [area under the Δ¹³C(‰)-expired air collection time (120 minutes) curve (AUC)] of each group by the insulin concentration (ng/mL) of each group “AUC₁₂₀/insulin (‰·min·mL/ng)” (on the ordinate).

FIG. 4 illustrates the results of Experimental Example 2. FIG. 4 shows the correlation between each “blood glucose level (mg/dL)” of the four groups of rats (on the abscissa) and each value obtained by dividing the Δ¹³C(‰) (10 minutes) of each group by the insulin concentration (ng/mL) of each group “Δ¹³C(‰) (10 minutes)/insulin (‰·min·mL/ng)” (on the ordinate).

FIG. 5 illustrates the results of Experimental Example 3. FIG. 5 shows changes in Δ¹³C(‰) in expired air measured after a U-¹³C-glucose solution for oral administration was administered to rats (ZDF Fatty and ZDF lean) at different weeks of age.

FIG. 6 illustrates the results of Experimental Example 4 (2-1). FIG. 6 shows changes in Δ¹³C(‰) in expired air measured after an aqueous U-¹³C-glucose solution (50 μmol/4 mL/kg) was orally administered to Group 1 (control group) and Group 2 (diabetes group) under fasting conditions.

FIG. 7 illustrates the results of Experimental Example 4 (2-2-1). FIG. 7 shows changes in Δ¹³C(‰) in expired air measured after an aqueous glucose solution (450 mg/4 mL/kg) and an aqueous U-¹³C-glucose solution (50 μmol/4 mL/kg) were orally administered simultaneously to Group 1 (control group) and Group 2 (diabetes group).

FIG. 8 illustrates the results of Experimental Example 4 (2-2-2). FIG. 8 shows changes in Δ¹³C(‰) in expired air measured after an aqueous U-¹³C-glucose solution (50 μmol/4 mL/kg) was orally administered to Group 1 (control group) and Group 2 (diabetes group) 30 minutes after oral administration of an aqueous glucose solution (450 mg/4 mL/kg).

FIG. 9 illustrates the results of Experimental Example 4 (2-2-3). FIG. 9 shows changes in Δ¹³C(‰) in expired air measured after an aqueous U-¹³C-glucose solution (50 μmol/4 mL/kg) was intravenously administered to Group 1 (control group) and Group 2 (diabetes group) 30 minutes after oral administration of an aqueous glucose solution (450 mg/4 mL/kg).

FIG. 10 illustrates the results of Experimental Example 4 (2-2-4). FIG. 10 shows changes in Δ¹³C(‰) in expired air measured after an aqueous U-¹³C-glucose solution (50 μmol/4 mL/kg) was intravenously administered to Group 1 (control group) and Group 2 (diabetes group) 30 minutes after oral administration of an aqueous glucose solution (2 g/4 mL/kg).

FIG. 11 illustrates the results of Experimental Example 4 (2-2-5). FIG. 11 shows changes in Δ¹³C(‰) in expired air measured after an aqueous U-¹³C-glucose solution (50 μmol/4 mL/kg) was intravenously administered to Group 1 (control group) and Group 2 (diabetes group) 30 minutes after oral administration of an enteral nutrition agent (protein and amino acid preparation; trade name: “Racol (registered trademark) Liquid for Enteral Use”) in an amount of 4 mL/kg.

FIG. 12 illustrates the results of Experimental Example 5. FIG. 12 shows changes in Δ¹³C(‰) before administration of a therapeutic agent for diabetes (no treatment) and changes in Δ¹³C(‰) after administration of a therapeutic agent for diabetes (metformin) in three groups of rats (Group A: healthy group. Group B: diabetes severe onset group, and Group C: diabetes moderate onset group).

FIG. 13 illustrates the results of Experimental Example 6. FIG. 13 shows the expired air patterns (changes in the Δ¹³C(‰)) of the groups of rats (control group: -▪-, type 1 diabetes group: -□-, insulin-administered 4 h-diabetes group: -Δ-, and insulin-administered 24 h-diabetes group: -♦-).

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS (I) Description of Terms and Analysis Methods Relating to Labeled C-Breath Test

The method for measuring glucose metabolism ability of the present invention is based on using a labeled C-breath test, such as a ¹³C-breath test. Thus, before description of the present invention, terms and analysis methods thereof relating to a labeled C-breath test are described (Tsuneo Matsubayashi, Wataru Matsuyama, Society for Medical Application of Carbon Thirteen. ¹³ C-Koki Shiken no Jissai, Kiso to Jissentaki Oyo, Dai 8 Kou: ¹³ C-Koki Shiken Data Kaisekiho [Practice of ¹³C-breath tests, basis and practical application, section 8: ¹³C-breath test data analysis method], pp. 102-111).

Here, ¹³C is described as an example of “at least one isotope of C or O” used in the present invention.

(1) δ¹³C Value (‰)

Abundances of isotopes are expressed in terms of isotopic ratio (R) in which the most abundant isotope of the same element is used as the denominator. Thus, with respect to carbon-13 (¹³C), R value is expressed by the following formula in which carbon-12 (¹²C) is used as the denominator.

R= ¹³C/¹²C  (Formula 1)

Since R is a very small numerical value, it is difficult to directly measure. When a mass spectrometer is used for more accurate quantification, comparison with a standard substance is always performed. The measurement result is represented by δ value defined by the following formula.

δ¹³C=([R _(SAM) /R _(STD)]−1)×1000  (Formula 2)

δ¹³C: δ¹³C value (‰)

-   R_(SAM): abundance of ¹³C in sample gas -   R_(STD): abundance of ¹³C in standard gas

When carbon dioxide derived from limestone (PDB) is used as standard gas, R_(STD) is R_(PDB)=0.0112372.

(2) Δ¹³C Value (‰)

“Δ¹³C value (‰)” means a value (Δ¹³) obtained by subtracting the δ¹³C value before administration of a reagent (i.e., naturally occurring δ value of ¹³C) as a background from the δ¹³C value after administration of the reagent, as shown in the following formula.

Δ¹³C(‰)=(δ¹³C)_(t)−(δ¹³C)₀  (Formula 3)

Δ¹³C(‰): amount of change in δ¹³C value (‰)

-   (δ¹³C)_(t): δ¹³C value t hr. after reagent administration (‰) -   (δ¹³C)₀: δ¹³C value 0 hr. before reagent administration (‰)     (3) ¹³C Concentration in Expired Air (% ¹³C: atom %)

The ¹³C concentration in expired air (% ¹³C: atom %) is defined by the following formula.

% ¹³C=[¹³C/(¹³C+¹²C)]×100

To convert the relative value δ¹³C defined in (1) into the ¹³C concentration (%) in the total carbon, which is a common concept of concentration, the following method can be used.

First, the numerator and denominator on the right side of the above formula are divided by ¹³C, and converted into R based on (Formula 1), The following formula is thus obtained.

% ¹³C=[R/(R+1)]×100  (Formula 4)

If R_(SAM) obtained in (Formula 2) is substituted into R above and rearranged, the following formula is obtained. The ¹³C concentration (% ¹³C) can be expressed by using the δ¹³C value.

% ¹³C={[δ¹³C/1000)+1]R _(PDB)×100}/([[(δ¹³C/1000)+1]×R _(PDB)]+1)  (Formula 5)

-   % ¹³C: ¹³C concentration (atom %) -   δ¹³C: δ¹³C value (‰) -   R_(PDB): abundance of ¹³C in PDB standard gas=0.0112372

(4) Amount of Change in ¹³C Concentration (Δ % ¹³C)

As defined in the following formula, the amount of change in ¹³C concentration (% ¹³C) in expired air (Δ % ¹³C) is determined by subtracting the ¹³C concentration 0 hr, before administration [(% ¹³C)₀] from the ¹³C concentration t hr. after administration [(% ¹³C)_(t)].

Δ %¹³C−(% ¹³C)_(t)−(% ¹³C)₀  (Formula 6)

-   Δ ¹³C: amount of change in ¹³C concentration (atom %) -   (% ¹³C)_(t): ¹³C concentration t hr after reagent administration     (atom %) -   (% ¹³C)₀: ¹³C concentration 0 hr. before reagent administration     (atom %)

(5) Relation Between Δ¹³C Value (‰) and Amount of Change in ¹³C Concentration (Δ % ¹³C)

The natural abundance (R) of ¹³C is about 0.011, and even when a labeled reagent is administered, the increased amount in expired air is only about +0.001 to 0.002. Thus, the natural abundance can be regarded as R→0, and (Formula 4), which expresses % ¹³C by using R, can be approximated by the following formula.

% ¹³C=[R/(R+1)]×100≈R×100

Using this approximate expression, an approximation that determines the ¹³C concentration (Formula 7) can be obtained as follows: first, R_(SAM) determined by (Formula 2), which defines δ¹³C, substituted into R in the above formula, and rearranged.

% ¹³C=[(δ¹³C/1000)+1]×R _(PDB)×100  (Formula 7)

When this is substituted into (Formula 6), Δ % ¹³C can be calculated from Δ¹³C, as shown in (Formula 8) below.

$\begin{matrix} \begin{matrix} {{\Delta \%^{13}C} = {\left( {\%^{13}C} \right)_{t} - \left( {\%^{13}C} \right)_{0}}} \\ {= {\left\{ {\left\lbrack {\left( {\delta^{13}C} \right)_{t} - \left( {\delta^{13}C} \right)_{0}} \right\rbrack \text{/}1000} \right\} \times R_{PDB} \times 100}} \\ {= {\left( {\Delta^{13}C \times R_{PDB}} \right)\text{/}10}} \end{matrix} & \left( {{Formula}\mspace{14mu} 8} \right) \end{matrix}$

Δ % ¹³C: amount of change in ¹³C concentration (atom %)

-   Δ¹³C: amount of change in δ¹³C value (‰) -   R_(PDB): abundance of ¹³C in PDB standard gas=0.0112372

(II) Composition for Measuring Glucose Metabolism Ability

The composition for measuring glucose metabolism ability of the present invention comprises, as an active ingredient, glucose labeled with at least one isotope of C, wherein the glucose is converted in the body into labeled CO₂ gas that is excreted in expired air. The labeled C-glucose used in the present invention has a feature such that, after being administered to a subject, the labeled C-glucose is metabolized according to glucose metabolism ability in the body and excreted in expired air in the form of carbon dioxide containing labeled C, which reflects the degree of glucose metabolism ability of the subject.

There is no particular limitation on isotopes used in labeling carbon atoms of glucose, and specific examples include ¹³C and ¹⁴C. Such isotopes may be radioactive or non-radioactive; however, from the standpoint of safety, non-radioactive isotopes are preferable. For example, ¹³C is desirable for use as such an isotope.

The isotope-labeled glucoses is labeled in such a manner that at least a portion of the CO₂ formed through the glucose metabolic pathway is isotope-labeled. Examples of such glucose include compounds in which the carbon atom at at least one of the 1-position or the 6-position, the 2-position or the 5-position, and the 3-position or the 4-position of glucose is labeled with an isotope. Specific examples include 1-¹³C-labeled glucose, 2-¹³C-labeled glucose, and 3-¹³C-labeled glucose. Glucose in which all of the carbon atoms at the 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, and 6-positions are isotope-labeled may be used. As indicated in Experimental Example 1 described later, glucose in which the carbon atom at the 3-position or the 4-position is isotope-labeled (e.g., 3-¹³C-labeled glucose and 4-¹³C-labeled glucose) and glucose in which all of the carbon atoms at the 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, and 6-positions are isotope-labeled, are preferable from the standpoint of the speed of the rise of “Δ¹³C(‰),” i.e., the speed of excretion in expired air in the form of ¹³CO₂ after ¹³C-labeled glucose administration.

There is no particular limitation on the method for labeling compounds such as glucose with isotopes such as ¹³C, ¹⁴C, and ¹⁸O, and a wide variety of commonly used methods may be employed (Sasaki, “5.1 Antei Doitai no Rinsho Shindan heno Oyo [5.1 Application of Stable Isotopes in Clinical Diagnosis]”: Kagaku no Ryoiki [Journal of Japanese Chemistry] 107, “Antei Doitai no I•Yakugaku Seibutsugaku heno Oyo [Application of Stable Isotopes in Medicine, Pharmacy, and Biology],” pp. 149-163 (1975) Nankodo: Kajiwara, RADIOISOTOPES, 41, 45-48 (1992), etc.). Such isotope-labeled compounds, particularly ¹³C-labeled-glucose described in the Examples, are commercially available as conveniently usable commercial products.

There is no particular limitation on the composition of the present invention in terms of its form, components other than the labeled C-giucose, proportion of each component, preparation method of the composition, etc., as long as the labeled C-glucose is absorbed in the body after administration, and excreted in expired air in the form of labeled carbon dioxide after metabolism.

For example, the form of the composition may be an oral dosage form or an intravenous dosage form. Examples of oral dosage forms include any oral dosage forms, such as solutions (including syrup), suspensions, emulsions and Like liquids; tablets (with and without coating), chewable tablets, capsules, pills, pulvis (powders), fine particles, granules, and like solids. Examples of intravenous dosage forms include any intravenous dosage forms, such as injections and drops (in liquid suspension, or emulsion form). The form of the composition is preferably an oral dosage form, which is a non-invasive measurement method, and more preferably, from the standpoint of obtaining high measurement accuracy, as indicated in Experimental Example 4, an intravenous dosage form.

The application of the composition of the present invention is not limited to a formulation such as a pharmaceutical preparation, as long as the composition contains the labeled C-glucose and does not adversely affect, the effects of the present invention. The labeled C-glucose may be combined with any foodstuff and formed into solid food, fluid food, or liquid food.

The composition of the present invention may substantially consist of the labeled C-glucose, which is an active ingredient; however, as long as the effects of the present invention are not adversely affected, any pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and/or additives that are generally used in this field may be added as other components according to a pharmaceutical form (dosage form).

In this case, there is no particular limitation on the amount of the labeled C-glucose contained as an active ingredient. For example, the amount of the labeled C-glucose is in the range of 1 to 95 wt % based on the total weight (100 wt %) of the composition, and is suitably controlled within this range.

When the composition of the present invention is prepared in liquid, suspension, or emulsion form, for example, drops or injections, various carriers and/or additives suitable to such forms may be used in addition to purified water or water for injection. Examples of additives include additives commonly used, such as tonicity-adjusting agents (e.g., sodium chloride etc.), pH adjusters (e.g., hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide, etc.), buffers (e.g., boric acid, sodium monohydrogen phosphate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, etc.), preservatives (e.g., benzalkonium chloride etc.), and thickeners (e.g., carboxyvinyl polymers etc.).

When the composition of the present invention is formed into, for example, tablets, chewable tablets, capsules, pills, pulvis (powders), fine particles, granules and like solid forms, various carriers and/or additives suitable for such forms may be used.

Examples of usable carriers or additives include lactose, sucrose, dextrin, mannitol, xylitol, sorbitol, erythritol, calcium dihydrogen phosphate, sodium chloride, glucose, urea, starch, calcium carbonate, kaolin, crystalline cellulose, silicic acid, and like excipients; water, ethanol, simple syrup, glucose liquid, starch liquid, gelatin liquid, carboxymethyl cellulose, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, shellac, methyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, potassium phosphate, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, dextrin, pullulan, and like binders; dry starch, sodium alginate, agar powder, laminaran powder, sodium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters, sodium lauryl sulfate, monoglyceride stearate, starch, lactose, carmellose calcium, low substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose, carmellose, croscarmellose sodium, sodium carboxymethyl starch, crospovidone, and like disintegrators; sucrose, stearic acid, cacao butter, hydrogenated oil, and like disintegration inhibitors; polysorbate 80, quaternary-ammonium base, sodium lauryl sulfate, and like absorption promoters; glycerin, starch, and like humectants; starch, lactose, kaolin, bentonite, colloidal silicic acid, and like adsorbents; purified talc, stearate, boric acid powder, polyethylene glycol, colloidal silicic acid, sucrose fatty acids, hardened oil, and like lubricants; citric acid, anhydrous citric acid, sodium citrate, sodium citrate dihydrate, anhydrous sodium monohydrogenphosphate, anhydrous sodium dihydrogenphosphate, sodium hydrogen phosphate, and like pH adjusters; iron oxide, β carotene, titanium oxide, food colors, copper chlorophyll, riboflavin, and like coloring agents; and ascorbic acid, sodium chloride, various sweeteners, and like corrigents.

Tablets may be provided with an ordinary coating, if necessary. Examples thereof include sugar-coated tablets, gelatin-coated tablets, film-coated tablets, double-coated tablets, multi-coated tablets, etc. Capsules are prepared in a commonly employed method, i.e., mixing the isotope-labeled glucose, which is an active ingredient, with various carriers mentioned above and placing it in a hard gelatin capsule, a soft capsule, etc.

The composition of the present invention is used as a sample that is administrated to a subject in the measurement method described later (test sample). More specifically, the composition of the present invention is used as a test sample to be administered for measuring glucose metabolism ability in a subject. The composition of the present invention is also used as a test sample to be administered for measuring and determining a stage before onset of diabetes or/and a stage after onset of diabetes in a subject. Further, the composition of the present invention is used as a test sample to be administered for determining and monitoring the effect of treatment for diabetes on a diabetic patient.

All of these measurement methods are performed by administering the composition of the present invention to a subject (including a human and an animal), collecting expired air measuring the abundance of carbon dioxide contained in the expired air (the ratio of labeled CO₂ amount to unlabeled CO₂ amount or the ratio of labeled CO₂ amount to total CO₂ amount), and using the abundance as an index. The details are described in (III) below.

When the form of the composition for measuring glucose metabolism ability of the present invention is an oral dosage form or an intravenous dosage form (injections or drops), the amount of the labeled C-glucose (active ingredient) contained in the composition may be suitably selected according to each case. In either case, the dose may be adjusted so that the amount of the labeled C-glucose (active ingredient) is in the range of 5 mg/body to 50 g/body, and preferably 10 mg/body to 25 g/body.

(III) Method for Measuring Glucose Metabolism Ability

Use of the above-described composition for measuring glucose metabolism ability of the present invention allows measurement of glucose metabolism ability in a subject (a human, or a mammal other than humans).

As described below, the measurement of glucose metabolism ability can basically be performed through the step of administering the above composition, which comprises the labeled C-glucose as an active ingredient, to a mammal, including a human (subject), and collecting expired air ([step (a)] of the method of the present invention), and the step of measuring the abundance of carbon dioxide contained in the expired air (the ratio of labeled CO₂ amount to unlabeled CO₂ amount or the ratio of labeled CO₂ amount to total CO₂ amount) ([step (b)] of the method of the present invention).

-   [Step (a)] The step of administering a composition to a subject and     collecting expired air, the composition comprising, as an active     ingredient, glucose labeled with at least one isotope of C (labeled     C-glucose), wherein the glucose is converted in the body into     labeled carbon dioxide that is excreted in expired air; and -   [Step (b)] The step of determining the ratio of labeled CO₂ amount     to unlabeled CO₂ amount contained in the expired air or the ratio of     labeled CO₂ amount to total CO₂ amount contained in the expired air.

As described above, the labeled C-glucose used in the present invention has a feature such that, after being orally or intravenously administered to a subject, the labeled C-glucose is metabolized according to glucose metabolism ability of the subject and excreted in expired air in the form of “carbon dioxide containing labeled C,” which reflects the degree of the glucose metabolism ability.

There is no particular limitation on the method for administering the composition of the present invention, which comprises the labeled C-glucose, as an active ingredient, and the composition may be orally administered or intravenously administered. Oral administration is preferable since it is a non-invasive method, whereas intravenous administration is preferable in terms of high accuracy, as indicated in Experimental Example 4.

The amount of the labeled C-glucose (active ingredient) contained in the composition for measuring glucose metabolism ability of the present invention may be suitably selected according to each case. Whether the composition for measuring glucose metabolism ability is orally administered or intravenously administered, the dose is adjusted so that the amount of the labeled C-glucose (active ingredient) is in the range of 5 mg/body to 50 g/body, and preferably 10 mg/body to 25 g/body.

As described above, the target subjects of the present invention are humans, or mammals other than humans. Examples of mammals other than humans include mice, rats, guinea pigs, rabbits, dogs, cats, monkeys, pigs, cattle, horses, and the like. The mammals other than humans are preferably test animals such as mice, rats, guinea pigs, rabbits, dogs, and monkeys.

The subject may be in a fasting state or non-fasting state before being subjected to step (a). As indicated in Experimental Example 4 described later, when a subject in a glucose-loaded state, rather than a subject in a fasting state, is subjected to step (a), glucose metabolism ability can be measured with high accuracy for a short period of time. Thus, the subject is preferably in a non-fasting state, in particular, a glucose-loaded state. More specifically, it is preferable that a subject in a fasting state is given a saccharide (e.g., glucose), a food or beverage comprising a saccharide, or a food or beverage comprising a component that is metabolized to a saccharide, at least 120 minutes, arid more preferably at least 60 minutes before being subjected to step (a), to render the subject in a glucose-loaded state. The dose of the saccharide or food or beverage is adjusted, for example, so that the amount of glucose administered into the body or glucose produced by metabolism in the body is about 450 mg to 2 g/kg.

Here, there is no limitation on the food or beverage comprising a saccharide, or the food or beverage comprising a component that is metabolized to a saccharide. Examples include a liquid, semi-liquid, or solid food or beverage comprising at least one member selected from the group consisting of proteins (including semi-digested proteins), amino acids, fats, electrolytes, trace elements, and vitamins, in addition to a saccharide or a component that is metabolized to a saccharide. Here, examples of saccharides include, but are not limited to, glucose, saccharose(sucrose), maltose, sorbitol, oligosaccharides carbohydrates, and the like. Glucose and maltodextrin are preferable.

There is no limitation on the food or beverage for use in the glucose tolerance test. Specifically, enteral nutrition agents containing saccharides (maltodextrin and sucrose), like “Racol (registered trademark) Liquid for Enteral Use” used in the below-described Experimental Examples, may be used.

The case in which a composition comprising ¹³C-labeled glucose as an active ingredient is used (i.e., the case in which the labeled CO₂ measured is ¹³CO₂) is described below as an example of the method for measuring glucose metabolism ability of a subject based on the abundance of carbon dioxide contained in expired air collected in step (a) (the ratio of labeled CO₂ amount to unlabeled CO₂ amount or the ratio of labeled CO₂ amount to total CO₂ amount).

-   (1) The abundance of carbon dioxide contained in the collected     expired air (the ratio of ¹³CO₂ amount to total CO₂ amount) is     calculated according to the below-described method as the amount of     change in ¹³C concentration (Δ % ¹³C), which is obtained by     subtracting the ¹³C concentration (atom %) [(% ¹³C)₀] before     administration of ¹³C-labeled glucose.

More specifically, the ¹³C concentration (atom %) in total carbon contained in expired air collected t hr. after administration of the reagent [¹³C concentration (% ¹³C) in expired air] [(% ¹³C)_(t)] is determined; further, the ¹³C concentration (atom %) before administration of the ¹³C-labeled compound [(% ¹³C)₀] is subtracted from the (% ¹³C)_(t) according to Formula 6, thereby obtaining the amount of change in the ¹³C concentration (Δ % ¹³C).

¹³C concentration (atom %)=[¹³C/(¹³C+¹²C)]×100

Δ % ¹³C=(% ¹³C)_(t)−(% ¹³C)₀  (Formula 6)

Δ % ¹³C: amount of change in ¹³C concentration (atom %)

-   (% ¹³C)_(t): ¹³C concentration t hr. after reagent administration     (atom %) -   (% ¹³C)₀: concentration 0 hr. before reagent administration (atom %) -   (2) If necessary, the amount of change in the ¹³C concentration (Δ %     ¹³C) may be converted into Δ¹³C value (‰) [amount of change in δ¹³C     value (‰) or DOB (‰)] based on Formula 5 and Formula 3.

% ¹³C={[(δ¹³C/1000)+1]×R _(PDB)×100}/{[[(δ¹³C/1000)+1]×R _(PDB)]+1}  (Formula 5)

% ¹³C: ¹³C concentration (atom %)

-   δ¹³C: δ¹³C value (‰) -   R_(PDB): abundance of ¹³C in PDB standard gas=0.0112372

Δ¹³C(‰)=(δ¹³C)_(t)−(δ¹³C)₀  (Formula 3)

Δ¹³C(‰): amount of change in δ¹³C value (‰)

-   (δ¹³C)_(t): δ¹³C value t hr. after reagent administration (‰) -   (δ¹³C)₀: δ¹³C value 0 hr. before reagent administration (‰)

The concentration of labeled C excreted in expired air after the composition for measuring glucose metabolism ability, which comprises the labeled C-glucose as an active ingredient, is administered, or the corresponding Δ % ¹³C (atom %) or Δ¹³C value (‰) reflect glucose metabolism ability of a subject, as indicated in the Experimental Examples described later. The method of the present invention, which uses the composition, allows glucose metabolism ability of the subject, to be measured rapidly and with high accuracy.

The measurement and analysis of the labeled carbon dioxide contained in expired air vary depending on whether the isotope used is radioactive or non-radioactive. However, the measurement and analysis may be performed by a commonly used analysis method, such as the liquid scintillation counter method, mass spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy, emission spectrometry, or the magnetic resonance spectrum method. From the viewpoint of measurement accuracy, infrared spectroscopy and mass spectrometry are preferable.

Glucose metabolism ability of a subject can be determined by the following method, using, as an index, “the ratio of labeled COP amount to unlabeled CO₂ amount contained in the expired air or the ratio of labeled CO₂ amount to total CO₂ amount contained in the expired air” (Δ % ¹³C (atom %) or Δ¹³C value (‰)) obtained in step (b) described above.

-   (c-1) “The ratio of labeled CO₂ amount to unlabeled CO₂ amount     contained in the expired air or the ratio of labeled CO₂ amount to     total CO₂ amount contained in the expired air” (Δ % ¹³C (atom %) or     Δ¹³C value (‰)) obtained in the subject in step (b) (subject value)     is compared with “the corresponding ratio of labeled CO₂ amount to     unlabeled CO₂ amount contained in the expired air or the     corresponding ratio of labeled CO₂ amount to total CO₂ amount     contained in the expired air” (Δ % ¹³C (atom %) or Δ¹³C value (‰))     of a healthy subject (control value). -   (c-2) As a result of the comparison, when the subject value is lower     than the control value, it is determined that the glucose metabolism     ability of the former subject is decreased. If the subject value is     higher than the control value, it is determined that the glucose     metabolism ability of the former subject is enhanced.

Here, the healthy subject means a subject that is healthy with regard to diabetes, i.e., a subject in which diabetes has not developed, and that is not in a stage before onset of diabetes (non-diabetic subject).

As indicated in Experimental Example 2 (FIG. 2), it is shown that glucose metabolism ability of patients in whom diabetes has developed is lower than glucose metabolism ability of healthy subjects, and that as the symptoms of diabetes progress and the severity increases, glucose metabolism ability notably decreases. On the other hand, it is shown that glucose metabolism ability of subjects in which diabetes has not yet developed, but that are in a stage before onset of diabetes, is higher than glucose metabolism ability of healthy subjects. Thus, as described in detail in (IV) below, by measuring glucose metabolism ability of a subject by the method of the present invention, not only can a stage after onset of diabetes be evaluated and determined, but a subject in a stage before onset of diabetes can also be detected. More specifically, it is determined in the method of the present invention that diabetes has developed in a subject whose glucose metabolism ability is lower than that of a healthy subject, whereas it is determined in the method of the present invention that a subject whose glucose metabolism ability is higher than that of a healthy subject is in a stage before onset of diabetes. This is, since the method for measuring glucose metabolism ability of the present invention can detect a subject that is in a stage before onset of diabetes, it can determine the risk of onset of diabetes, thus contributing to the prevention of onset of diabetes.

As described above, the stage (severity) of a diabetic patient in whom diabetes has already developed can be determined and monitored by measuring glucose metabolism ability of the diabetic patient. Likewise, as indicated in Experimental Examples 5 and 6 (FIGS. 12 and 13), the effect of treatment for diabetes on a diabetic patient receiving the treatment for diabetes can also be determined and monitored by measuring glucose metabolism ability of the diabetic patient. The details are described in (V) below.

This determination and monitoring may be performed by a method of diagnosis of diabetes known or commonly used in this field (such as measurement of blood glucose level, insulin resistance test, and measurement of HbAlc) in parallel with the method of the present invention, which uses a breath test.

(IV) Method for Determining a Stage Before Onset of Diabetes or/and a Stage After Onset of Diabetes

As described above, a stage before onset of diabetes or/and a stage after onset of diabetes in a subject can be determined by using, as an index, glucose metabolism ability of the subject obtained by the method for measuring glucose metabolism ability of the present invention.

More specifically, the diabetes stage can be determined based on the results obtained in step (c) in the following steps (a) to (c) by determining that a subject whose glucose metabolism ability is determined to be decreased compared with glucose metabolism ability of a healthy subject is a diabetic patient (patient in whom diabetes has developed), and that a subject whose glucose metabolism ability is determined to be enhanced (increased) compared with glucose metabolism ability of a healthy subject is a patient in a stage before onset of diabetes (diabetes pre-onset stage patient).

-   [Step (a)] The step of administering a composition to a subject and     collecting expired air, the composition comprising, as an active     ingredient, glucose labeled with at least one isotope of C (labeled     C-glucose), wherein the glucose is converted in the body into     labeled carbon dioxide that is excreted in expired air; -   [Step (b)] The step of determining the ratio of labeled CO₂ amount     to unlabeled CO₂ amount contained in the expired air or the ratio of     labeled CO₂ amount to total CO₂ amount contained in the expired air;     and -   [Step (c)] The step of comparing “the ratio of labeled CO₂ amount to     unlabeled CO₂ amount contained in the expired air or the ratio of     labeled CO₂ amount to total CO₂ amount contained in the expired air”     (Δ % ¹³C (atom %) or Δ¹³C value (‰)) obtained in the subject in     step (b) (subject value) with “the corresponding ratio of labeled     CO₂ amount to unlabeled CO₂ amount contained in the expired air or     the corresponding ratio of labeled CO₂ amount to total CO₂ amount     contained in the expired air” (Δ % ¹³C (atom %) or Δ¹³C value (‰) of     a healthy subject (control value), and determining that glucose     metabolism ability of the former subject is decreased when the     subject value is lower than the control value, and that glucose     metabolism ability of the former subject is enhanced when the     subject value is higher than the control value.

In the “method for determining a stage before onset of diabetes or/and a stage after onset of diabetes” of the present invention, the above-mentioned [Step (c)] can be restated as follows.

-   [Step (c′)] The step of comparing “the ratio of labeled CO₂ amount     to unlabeled CO₂ amount contained in the expired air or the ratio of     labeled CO₂ amount to total CO₂ amount contained in the expired air”     (Δ % ¹³C (atom %) or Δ¹³C value (‰)) obtained in the subject in     step (b) (subject value) with “the corresponding ratio of labeled     CO₂ amount to unlabeled CO₂ amount contained in the expired air or     the corresponding ratio of labeled CO₂ amount to total CO₂ amount     contained in the expired air” (Δ % ¹³C (atom %) or Δ¹³C value (‰))     of a healthy subject (control value), and determining that diabetes     has developed in the former subject when the subject value is lower     than the control value, and that the former subject is in a stage     before onset of diabetes when the subject value is higher than the     control value.

In particular, the method of the present invention is useful in that patients in a stage before onset of diabetes (diabetes pre-onset stage patients), who are difficult to identify by hitherto known methods, can be distinguished from healthy subjects. As indicated in Experimental Example 2 (FIG. 2) the larger the degree of decrease in glucose metabolism ability, the larger the degree of progression of diabetes (severity); there is a correlation between the degree of decrease in glucose metabolism ability and the degree of progression of diabetes (severity). Thus, the method of the present invention makes it possible to measure and evaluate, as well as monitor the degree of progression of diabetes (severity) based on the degree of decrease in glucose metabolism ability.

A diabetes stage (stage before onset of diabetes or/and a stage after onset of diabetes) may also be determined by the following method. According to this method, not only diabetic patients, but also patients in a stage before onset of diabetes can be distinguished from healthy subjects more clearly and with high accuracy.

-   (1) A method for determining a correlation between a [blood glucose     level](mg/dl) of a subject under fasting conditions and a parameter     obtained by dividing “the ratio of labeled CO₂ amount to unlabeled     CO₂ amount contained in the expired air or the ratio of labeled CO₂     amount to total CO₂ amount, contained in the expired air” (Δ %     ¹³C(atom %) or Δ¹³C value (‰)) at at least one point in time after     the labeled C-glucose is administered to the subject; preferably     within 120 minutes after administration of the labeled C-glucose by     a blood insulin concentration (ng/mL) of the subject under fasting     conditions (for example, [Δ¹³C(‰)_((t minutes))/insulin (mL/ng)]     (‰·mL/ng))).

More specifically, as indicated in Experimental Example 2 (3-3) (FIG. 4), diabetic patients and patients in a stage before onset of diabetes can be distinguished from healthy subjects by plotting the parameter (for example, [Δ¹³C(‰)_((t))/insulin] (‰·mL/ng) (t=10 minutes) and the [blood glucose level] (mg/dl) in a graph in which the ordinate represents the parameter and the abscissa represents the blood glucose level, and examining the correlation between the parameter and the blood glucose level.

As shown in FIG. 4, when the blood glucose level represented by the abscissa is divided at, for example, 150 mg/dl and the [Δ¹³C(‰)_((t))/insulin] (t=10 minutes) represented by the ordinate is divided at, for example, 90‰·mL/ng, the healthy group concentrates in the upper-left section (blood glucose level of 150 mg/dl or less, [Δ¹³C(‰)_((T))/insulin] of 90‰·mL/ng or more), whereas the diabetic patients and the patients in a stage before onset of diabetes concentrate in the area in which the [Δ¹³C(‰)_((t))/insulin] is 90‰·mL/ng or less, particularly in lower values. In particular, the patients in a stage before onset of diabetes concentrate in the area in which the [Δ¹³C(‰)_((t))/insulin] is 90‰·mL/ng or less and the blood glucose level is 150 mg/dl or less. Further, as diabetes progresses after onset (the severity increases), plot points tend to shift to the right side (area in which the blood glucose level is higher than 150 mg/dl) of FIG. 4 in accordance with the degree of progression.

-   (2) A method for determining a correlation between a [blood glucose     level](mg/dl) of a subject under fasting conditions and a parameter     obtained by dividing the area under the curve of “the ratio of     labeled CO₂ amount to unlabeled CO₂ amount contained in the expired     air or the ratio of labeled CO₂ amount to total CO₂ amount contained     in the expired air” (Δ % ¹³C(atom %) or Δ¹³C value (‰)) obtained     within 120 minutes after the labeled C-glucose is administered to     the subject by a blood insulin concentration (ng/mL) of the subject     under fasting conditions (for example,     [Δ¹³C(‰)AUC_((t minutes))/insulin (mL/ng)] (‰·min·mL/ng)).

More specifically, as indicated in Experimental Example 2 (3-2) (FIG. 3), diabetic patients and patients in a stage before onset of diabetes can be distinguished from healthy subjects by plotting the parameter (for example, [Δ¹³C(‰)AUC_(t)/insulin] (‰·min·mL/ng), t=120 minutes)) and the [blood glucose level](mg/dl) in a graph in which the ordinate represents the parameter and the abscissa represents the blood glucose level, and examining the correlation between the parameter and the blood glucose level.

As shown in FIG. 3, when the blood glucose level represented by the abscissa is divided at, for example, 150 mg/dl and the [Δ¹³C(‰) AUC_(t)/insulin] (t=120 minutes) represented by the ordinate is divided at, for example, 23000‰·min·mL/ng, the healthy group concentrates in the upper-left section (blood glucose level of 150 mg/dl or less, [Δ¹³C(‰) AUC_(t)/insulin] of 23000‰·min·mL/ng or more), whereas the diabetic patients and patients in a stage before onset of diabetes concentrate in the area in which the [Δ¹³C(‰) AUC_(t)/insulin] is 23000‰·min·mL/ng or less, particularly in lower levels. In particular, the patients in a stage before onset of diabetes concentrate in the area in which the [Δ¹³C(‰)AUC_(t)/insulin] is 23000‰·min·mL/ng or less and the blood glucose level is 150 mg/dl or less. Further, as diabetes progresses after onset, (as the severity increases), plot points tend to shift to the right side (area in which the blood glucose level is higher than 150 mg/dl) of FIG. 3 in accordance with the degree of progression.

As described above, the method of the present invention makes it possible to defect subjects in a stage before onset of diabetes distinctively from healthy subjects and diabetic patients with a quick test. Therefore, suppression or prevention of onset of diabetes can be expected by giving feedback of the results to subjects in a stage before onset of diabetes and taking appropriate measures. In addition, the presence or absence or degree of progression of onset of diabetes, or the severity in diabetic patients can be managed and observed over time by monitoring subjects over time.

(IV) Method for Detecting the Effect of Treatment for Diabetes on a Diabetic Patient

As described above, the effect of treatment for diabetes on a subject receiving the treatment for diabetes (diabetic patient) can foe detected and evaluated by using, as an index, glucose metabolism ability of the subject obtained by the method for measuring glucose metabolism ability of the present invention.

More specifically, a subject is subjected to steps (a′) and (b) below before and after treatment for diabetes; “the ratio of labeled CO₂ amount to unlabeled CO₂ amount, contained in the expired air or the ratio of labeled CO₂ amount to total CO₂ amount contained in the expired air” (Δ % ¹³C (atom %) or Δ¹³C value (‰)) obtained before and after the treatment for diabetes is compared; and it can be determined that the treatment for diabetes is effective when the value obtained after the treatment for diabetes is higher than the value obtained before the treatment for diabetes.

-   [Step (a′)] The step of administering a composition to a subject     before and after treatment for diabetes and collecting expired air,     the composition comprising, as active ingredient, glucose labeled     with at least one isotope of C (labeled C-glucose), wherein the     glucose is converted in the body into labeled carbon dioxide that is     excreted in expired air; -   [Step (b)] The step of determining the ratio of labeled CO₂ amount     to unlabeled CO₂ amount contained in the expired air before and     after the treatment for diabetes or the ratio of labeled CO₂ amount     to total CO₂ amount contained in the expired air before and after     the treatment for diabetes; and -   [Step (d)] The step of comparing “the ratio of labeled CO₂ amount to     unlabeled CO₂ amount contained in the expired air or the ratio of     labeled CO₂ amount to total CO₂ amount contained in the expired air”     (Δ % ¹³C (atom %) or Δ¹³C value (‰)) obtained in the subject after     the treatment for diabetes in step (b) (subject value) with “the     corresponding ratio of labeled CO₂ amount to unlabeled CO₂ amount     contained in the expired air or the corresponding ratio of labeled     CO₂ amount to total CO₂ amount contained in the expired air” (Δ %     ¹³C (atom %) or Δ¹³C value (‰)) obtained in the subject before the     treatment for diabetes in step (b) (control value), and determining     that the treatment for diabetes is effective in the subject when the     subject value is higher than the control value, and that the     treatment for diabetes is not effective in the subject when the     subject value is the same as or lower than the control value.

According to the method of the present invention, the effect of treatment for diabetes can be measured and evaluated, and monitored by using, as an index, an increase in glucose metabolism ability of a diabetic patient receiving the treatment for diabetes.

EXAMPLES

Examples and Experimental Examples are described below to further clarify the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to these Examples.

Experimental Example 1 Difference in ¹³C-Labeled Positions of Glucose (1) Preparation of ¹³-Glucose Solutions

-   (a) 1-¹³C-glucose (glucose in which the carbon atom at the     1-position is replaced by ¹³C; MW: 181, produced by Cambridge     Isotope Laboratory) was prepared in physiological saline so that the     concentration became 300 μmol/mL. -   (b) 2-¹³C-glucose (glucose in which the carbon atom at the     2-position is replaced by ¹³C; MW: 181, produced by Cambridge     Isotope Laboratory) was prepared in physiological saline so that the     concentration became 300 μmol/mL. -   (c) 3-¹³C-glucose (glucose in which the carbon atom at the     3-position is replaced by ¹³C; MW: 181, produced by Cambridge     Isotope Laboratory) was prepared in physiological saline so that the     concentration became 300 μmol/mL. -   (d) U-¹³C-glucose (glucose in which all of the carbon atoms are     replaced by ¹³C; MW: 186, produced by Cambridge Isotope Laboratory)     was prepared in physiological saline so that the concentration     became 50 μmol/mL.

(2) Experimental Mmethod

Fasted rats (male, SD rats) as experimental animals were divided into four groups (n=4 per group). The above-prepared ¹³C-glucose solutions were individually intravenously administered to the rats in each group (1-¹³-Glc-administration group, 2-¹³C-Glc-administration group, 3-¹³C-Glc-administration group, and U-¹³-Glc-adrainistration group) in an amount of 1 mL/kg. Expired air was collected before the administration of each ¹³C-glucose solution (0 minutes) and at each point in time (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 80, 100, and 120 minutes) after the administration of each ¹³C-glucose solution, Δ¹³C(‰) was determined with a mass spectrometer for expired air analysis (ABCA: produced by Sercon) from the concentration of ¹³CO₂ excreted in the expired air.

The Δ¹³C(‰) was determined by measuring the ¹³CO₂/¹²CO₂ concentration ratio (δ¹³C value) in the expired air before the administration of each ¹³C-glucose solution (0 minutes) and in the expired air at each point in time for collecting the expired air (t minutes) after the administration of each ¹³C-glucose solution, and calculating Δ¹³C(‰) from the difference between the δ¹³C value (δ¹³C_(t)) at each collection point in time (t) and the δ¹³C value (δ¹³C₀) before the administration (δ¹³C_(t)−δ¹³C₀) (the same applies to the below-described Experimental Examples).

(3) Experimental Results

FIG. 1 shows changes in the Δ¹³C(‰) in the expired air measured after the ¹³C-glucose solutions were individually administered to each of the four groups of rats. In FIG. 1, the Δ¹³C(‰) in the expired air is plotted on the ordinate, and the expired air collection time (minutes) (t minutes) after the administration of each ¹³C-glucose solution is plotted on the abscissa.

As shown in FIG. 1, the highest Δ¹³C(‰) up to 30 minutes after the glucose solution administration was observed in the 3-¹³C-Glc-administration group (-▴-), followed by the U-¹³C-Glc-administration group (-x-). This result reveals that among 1-¹³C-glucose, 2-¹³C-glucose, 3-¹³C-glucose, and U-¹³C-glucose, the ¹³C-glucose that is excreted in expired air in the form of ¹³CO₂ more rapidly after being administered to the body and is reflected in the Δ¹³C(‰) value is 3-¹³C-glucose, followed by U-¹³C-glucose. Specifically, the ¹³C-glucose that enables the Δ¹³C(‰) value to be measured for a short period of time is preferably 3-¹³C-glucose and U-¹³C-glucose.

Experimental Example 2

Monitoring of a Diabetes Stage with a Breath Test (I)

(1) Preparation of U-¹³C-Glucose Solution for Oral Administration

A U-¹³C-glucose solution for oral administration at a concentration of 50 μmol/4 mL was prepared by dissolving U-¹³C-glucose (MW: 186, produced by Cambridge Isotope Laboratory) in physiological saline.

(2) Stage Monitoring Experiment

The rats of the total four groups A to D shown in Table 1 (male, ZDF rats (Lean or Fatty), n=4 to 6 per group) were used as experimental animals. After the rats of each group were fasted, the above-prepared U-¹³C-glucose solution for oral administration was forcibly administered orally in an amount of 4 mL/kg.

TABLE 1 Blood Glucose Blood Insulin Level under Concentration Fasting under Fasting Lean or Number of Conditions Conditions Fatty Rats (n) (mg/dL) (ng/mL) Group A: Lean 4 63.8 0.21 Healthy Group Group B: Fatty 6 240.3 1.97 Diabetes Severe Onset Group Group C: Fatty 6 153.7 4.10 Diabetes Moderate Onset Group Group D: Fatty 4 99.0 5.91 Diabetes Pre-Onset Stage Group

Expired air was collected before the administration of the U-¹³C-glucose solution for oral administration (0 minutes), and at each point in time (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 80, 100, and 120 minutes) after the administration of the U-¹³-glucose solution for oral administration. Δ¹³C(‰) was determined with a mass spectrometer for expired air analysis (ABCA: produced by Sercon) from the concentration of ¹³CO₂ excreted in the expired air.

(3) Experimental results

(3-1) FIG. 2 shows changes in the Δ¹³C(‰) in the expired air measured after the U-¹³C-glucose solution for oral administration was administered to the four groups of rats. In FIG. 2, the Δ¹³C(‰) in the expired air is plotted on the ordinate, and the expired air collection time (minutes) after the administration of the U-¹³C-glucose solution for oral administration is plotted on the abscissa.

As shown in FIG. 2, the Δ¹³C(‰) values of the diabetes moderate onset group (Group C: -▪-) and the diabetes severe onset group (Group B: -♦-) were lower than that of the healthy group (Group A: -▴-). On the other hand, the Δ¹³C(‰) value of the diabetes pre-onset stage group (Group D: -x-) was higher than those of the healthy group and the diabetes onset groups (diabetes moderate onset group and diabetes severe onset group).

This reveals that in a stage before onset of diabetes, glucose metabolism ability is enhanced compared with that in the healthy state, and U-¹³C-glucose is more rapidly metabolized and excreted in expired air in the form of ¹³CO₂. It is also revealed that once diabetes develops, glucose metabolism ability decreases to reduce glucose metabolism, resulting in decrease in the amount of ¹³CO₂ excreted in expired air after ¹³C-glucose is metabolized; it is further revealed that the decrease in glucose metabolism ability (decrease in ¹³CO₂ excretion amount) correlates with severity of diabetes.

This result indicates that not only a stage after onset of diabetes, but also a stage before onset of diabetes can be determined by using ¹³C-glucose as a test substance, and measuring glucose metabolism ability with a breath test.

(3-2) FIG. 3 shows the correlation between each “blood glucose level (mg/dL)” of the four groups of rats and each value obtained by dividing the [area under the Δ¹³C(‰)-expired air collection time (120 minutes) curve (AUC)] of each group by the insulin concentration (mg/dL) of each group (“AUC₁₂₀/insulin (‰·min·mL/ng)”). In FIG. 3, the AUC₁₂₀/insulin concentration (‰·min·mL/ng) is plotted on the ordinate, whereas the blood glucose level (mg/dL) is plotted on the abscissa.

As shown in FIG. 3, the AUC_((120 minutes)) with respect to insulin concentration [AUC₁₂₀/insulin(‰·min·mL/ng)] was significantly low in the diabetes pre-onset stage group (Group D: -x-) as well as in the diabetes onset groups, i.e., the diabetes moderate onset group (Group C: -▪-) and the diabetes severe onset group (Group B: -♦-). These values were clearly different from that of the healthy group (Group A: -▴-). Further, FIG. 3 shows that as the diabetes stage progresses, plot points shift to the right side with increase in blood glucose level. This confirms that determining the correlation between the parameter [AUC₁₂₀/insulin (‰·min·mL/ng)] and the [blood glucose level (mg/dL)] makes it possible to not only distinguish a stage before onset of diabetes and diabetes from a healthy stage, but also determine and monitor a stage before onset of diabetes and a stage of diabetes (these are collectively referred to as “diabetes stage”). The diabetes stage determination using this parameter is useful in diagnosis of, in particular, a stage before onset of diabetes, which is difficult to distinguish by hitherto known methods.

-   (3-3) FIG. 4 show the correlation between each value obtained by     dividing the Δ¹³C(‰) of the four groups of rats 10 minutes after the     oral administration of the U-¹³C-glucose by the insulin     concentration (ng/mL) of each group “Δ¹³C(‰)_((10 minutes))/insulin     (‰·mL/ng)” and the “blood glucose level (mg/dL)” of each group. In     FIG. 4, the “Δ¹³C(‰)_((10 minutes))/insulin concentration” (‰·mL/ng)     is plotted on the ordinate, whereas the blood glucose level (mg/dL)     is plotted on the abscissa.

This result confirms that even if the “Δ¹³C(‰)_((10 minutes))/insulin (‰·mL/ng)” is plotted on the ordinate in FIG. 3 described above in place of the “AUC₁₂₀/insulin (‰·min·mL/ng),” a stage before onset of diabetes and diabetes can be distinguished from a Ileal thy state, and a diabetes stage can be determined and monitored. Specifically, determining the correlation between the [blood glucose level] (mg/dl) and the parameter obtained by dividing the Δ¹³C(‰) at a point in time after ¹³C-glucose administration (t minutes after administration) (Δ¹³C(‰)_((t minutes)) by insulin concentration [Δ¹³C(‰)_((t minutes))/insulin] (‰·mL/ng) makes it possible to not only distinguish a stage before onset of diabetes and diabetes from a healthy state, but also determine and monitor a stage before onset of diabetes and a stage of diabetes (diabetes stage). The above point in time (t minutes) for measurement may be any point in time, as long as it is a point in time after ¹³C-glucose administration, From the viewpoint of utilizing an advantage of the present invention, i.e., performing the above distinction or determination in a short period of time, the point in time is within 120 minutes, preferably within 60 minutes, and more preferably within 30 minutes after ¹³C-glucose administration. The point in time is preferably, but not limited to, at least 10 minutes after ¹³C-glucose administration.

The diabetes stage determination using this parameter is useful in diagnosis of, in particular, a stage before onset of diabetes, which is difficult to distinguish in a short period of time by hitherto known methods.

Experimental Example 3

Monitoring of a Diabetes Stage with a Breath Test (II)

(1) Preparation of a U-¹³C-Glucose Solution for Oral Administration

A U-¹³C-glucose solution for oral administration at a concentration of 50 μmol/4 mL was prepared by dissolving U-¹³C-glucose (MW: 136, produced by Cambridge Isotope Laboratory) in physiological saline.

(2) Experiment for Monitoring a Stage in Change in Weeks of Age

Fasted ZDF lean rats (non-diabetic rats: healthy group) (male, n=4) use fasted ZDF Fatty rats (male, n=4) were used as experimental animals. The above-prepared solution was forcibly administered orally to the ZDF Fatty rats at 9, 10, 13, and 23 weeks of age and to the ZDF Lean rats at 13 weeks of age in an amount of 4 ml/kg. Expired air was collected in each group before the administration of the U-¹³C-glucose solution for oral administration (0 minutes) and at each point in time (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 80, 100, and 120 minutes) after the adxainistratron of the U-¹³C-glucose solution for oral administration. Δ¹³C(‰) was determined with a mass spectrometer for expired air analysis (ABCA: produced by Sercon) from the concentration of ¹³CO₂ excreted in the expired air.

(3) Experimental Results

FIG. 5 show changes in the Δ¹³C(‰) in the expired air measured after the U-¹³C-glucose solution for oral adxainistration was administered at different weeks of age (ZDF Fatty: 9 W, 10 W, 13 W, 23 W; ZDF Lean: 13 W). In FIG. 5, the Δ¹³C(‰) in the expired air is plotted on the ordinate, whereas the expired air collection time (minutes) after the administration of the U-¹³C-glucose solution for oral administration is plotted on the abscissa.

As shown in FIG. 5, the SDF Fatty rats at 9 weeks of age (-o-) exhibited an expired, air pattern (change in the Δ¹³C(‰) in the expired air) similar to that of the healthy group (ZDF Lean rats at 13 weeks of age. On the other hand, glucose metabolism was enhanced in the ZDF Fatty rat group at 10 weeks of age (-□-) and the ZDF Fatty rat group at 13 weeks of age (-x-), and their expired air patterns (changes in the Δ¹³C(‰) in the expired air) were higher than that of the healthy group (-▪-). Further, diabetes developed in the ZDF Fatty rats at 23 weeks of age (-Δ-), and their expired air patterns were lower than that of the healthy group (-▪-). This reveals that use of the Δ¹³C(‰) in the expired air as an index in the breath test using ¹³C-glucose makes it possible to not only distinguish a healthy state, a stage before onset of diabetes, and diabetes, but also monitor changes in a stage before onset of diabetes and a stage of diabetes (diabetes stage) over time.

Experimental Example 4 Breath Test Under Glucose-Loaded Conditions (1) Experimental Animals

OLETF rats, which are diabetic animal models, were used as experimental animals, and LETO rats were used as a control. More specifically, after being fasted for 20 hours, Group 1 (control group: OLETF rats, male, n=6) and Group 2 (diabetes group; OLETF rats, male, n=6) were subjected to the following test.

(2) Experimental Method and Results (2-1) Expired Air Pattern (Change in Δ¹³C(‰) in Expired Air) Under Fasting Conditions

An aqueous U-¹³C-glucose solution (50 μmol/4 mL/kg) was orally administered to Group 1 (control group) and Group 2 (diabetes group) under fasting conditions. In each group, expired air was collected before the U-¹³C-glucose administration (0 minutes) and at each point in time (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 30, 100, and 120 minutes) after the U-¹³C-glucose administration. Δ¹³C(‰) was determined with a mass spectrometer for expired air analysis (ABCA: produced by Sercon) from the concentration of ¹³CO₂ excreted in the expired air. FIG. 6 shows the expired air patterns (changes in the Δ¹³C(‰) in the expired air).

(2-2) Expired Air Pattern (Change in Δ¹³C(‰) in Expired Air) Under Administration of Glucose in an Amount of 450 mg/4 mL/kg (Under Glucose Loaded Conditions)

-   (2-2-1) An aqueous glucose solution (450 mg/4 mL/kg) and an aqueous     U-¹³C-glucose solution (50 μmol/4 mL/kg) were orally administered     simultaneously to the experimental animals of (1), i.e., Group 1     (control group) and Group 2 (diabetes group). As in (2-1), expired     air was collected in each group before the U-¹³C-glucose     administration (0 minutes) and at each, point in time (10, 20, 30,     40, 50, 60, 80, 100, and 120 minutes) after the U-¹³C-glucose     administration. Δ¹³C(‰) was determined from the concentration of     ¹³CO₂ excreted in the expired air. FIG. 7 shows the expired air     patterns (changes in the Δ¹³C(‰) in the expired air). -   (2-2-2) An aqueous U-¹³C-glucose solution (50 μmol/4 mL/kg) was     orally administered to the experimental animals of (1), i.e., Group     1 (control group) and Group 2 (diabetes group) 30 minutes after an     aqueous glucose solution (450 mg/4 mL/kg) was orally administered.     As in (2-1), expired air was collected in each group before the     U-¹³C-glucose administration (0 minutes) and at each point in time     (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 80, 100, and 120 minutes) after the     U-¹³C-glucose administration. Δ¹³C(‰) was determined from the     concentration of ¹³CO₂ excreted in the expired air. FIG. 8 shows the     expired air patterns (changes in the Δ¹³C(‰) in the expired air). -   (2-2-3) An aqueous U-¹³C-glucose solution (50 μmol/mL/kg) was     intravenously administered to the experimental animals of (1), i.e.,     Group 1 (control group) and Group 2 (diabetes group) 30 minutes     after an aqueous glucose solution (450 mg/4 mL/kg) was orally     administered. As in (2-1), expired air was collected in each group     before the U-¹³C-glucose administration (0 minutes) and at each     point in time (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 80, 100, and 120 minutes)     after the U-¹³C-glucose administration. Δ¹³C(‰) was determined from     the concentration of ¹³CO₂ excreted in the expired air. FIG. 9 shows     the expired air patterns (changes in the Δ¹³C(‰) in the expired     air). -   (2-2-4) An aqueous U-¹³C-glucose solution (50 μmol/mL/kg) was     intravenously administered to the experimental animals of (1), i.e.,     Group 1 (control group) and Group 2 (diabetes group) 30 minutes     after an aqueous glucose solution (2 g/4 mL/kg) was orally     administered. As in (2-1), expired air was collected in each group     before hue U-¹³C-glucose administration (0 minutes) and at each     point in time (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 80, 100, and 120 minutes)     after the U-¹³C-glucose administration. Δ¹³C(‰) was determined from     the concentration of ¹³CO₂ excreted in the expired air. FIG. 10     shows the expired air patterns (changes in the Δ¹³C(‰) in the     expired air). -   (2-2-5) An aqueous U-¹³C-glucose solution (50 μmol/mL/kg) was     intravenously administered to the experimental animals of (1), i.e.,     Group 1 (control group) and Group 2 (diabetes group) 30 minutes     after an enteral nutrition agent (protein and amino acid     preparation; trade name: “Racol (registered trademark) liquid for     Enteral Use,” EN Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) was orally     administered in an amount of 4 ml/kg. As in (2-1), expired air was     collected in each group before the U-¹³C-glucose administration (0     minutes) and at each point in time (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 80, 100,     and 120 minutes) after the U-¹³C-glucose administration. Δ¹³C(‰) was     determined from the concentration of ¹³CO₂ excreted in the expired     air. FIG. 11 shows the expired air patterns (changes in the Δ¹³C(‰)     in the expired air).

In each of FIGS. 6 to 11, the Δ¹³(‰) is plotted on the ordinate, whereas the expired air collection time (minutes) after the U-¹³C-glucose administration is plotted on the abscissa. The symbols -□- and -▪- respectively indicate the change in the Δ¹³C(‰) in the expired air over time measured in Group 1 (control group), and the change in the Δ¹³C(‰) in the expired air over time measured in Group 2 (diabetes group).

(3) Discussions

As shown in FIG. 6, the difference between the Δ¹³C(‰) value of Group 1 (control group) and the Δ¹³C(‰) value of Group 2 (diabetes group) was small under fasting conditions. In contrast, as shown in FIGS. 7 to 11, the expired air pattern (change in the Δ¹³C(‰) in the expired air) of Group 1 (control group) was found to be significantly high compared with the expired air pattern (change in the Δ¹³C(‰) in the expired air) of Group 2 (diabetes group) under glucose-loaded conditions. Specifically, under fasting conditions, there is a difference in the expired air response (expired air pattern, change in the Δ¹³C(‰) in the expired air) between the healthy group (control group) and the diabetes group; however, the degree of the difference is small. On the other hand, the difference in the expired air response (expired air pattern, change in the Δ¹³C(‰) in the expired air) between the healthy group and the diabetes group is increased by measurement under glucose-loaded conditions. This confirms that the diabetes group can be distinguished more easily from the healthy group (control group) by performing the measurement under glucose-loaded conditions.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, when the saccharide for use in glucose loading and ¹³C-glucose were simultaneously administered, overlapping of the initial (in particular, within 10 minutes after the administration) expired air response of Group 1 (control group) and Group 2 (diabetes group) was observed. However, as shown in FIG. 8, when the saccharide was administered (glucose was loaded) before the administration of ¹³C-glucose as a test substance, the overlapping of the initial expired air response was eliminated. Further, as is clear from a comparison of FIG. 8 with FIGS. 3 and 10, the difference in the expired air response between Group 1 (control group) and Group 2 (diabetes group), in particular, the difference in the initial (for example within 10 minutes after the administration) expired air response was further widened by changing the administration rout of ¹³C-glucose from oral administration (FIG. 8) to intravenous administration (FIGS. 3 and 10).

As seen from the above, the accuracy of measurement of a diabetes stage can be improved with a breath test using ¹³C-glucose under glucose-loaded conditions, preferably a breath test using ¹³C-glucose under conditions in which a saccharide is administered beforehand to render a subject in a glucose-loaded state, and more preferably a breath test in which ¹³C-glucose is intravenously administered.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11, it is confirmed that even when an enteral solution containing protein, fat, sugars, and various mineral components (“Racol (registered trademark) Liquid for Enteral Use”) is used instead of a saccharide (glucose) used in glucose loading, a similar result is obtained. Since there is hitherto a concern about the risk of high blood glucose caused by the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in diabetic patients, it is believed that a food or beverage containing protein, fat, sugars, and various mineral components can be an alternative test meal to a saccharide (glucose) hitherto used in OGTT.

Experimental Example 5 Evaluation of Treatment Effect of a Therapeutic Agent for Diabetes (1) Experimental Method

Three groups of ZDF rats (Group A: healthy group (n=4), Group B: diabetes severe onset group (n=6), and Group C: diabetes moderate onset group (n=6)) were used as experimental animals. In the experiment, these ZDF rats were allowed free access to water and feed (containing saccharide, fat, and protein) (MF: Oriental Yeast Co., Ltd.). More specifically, the following experiment was performed under non-fasting conditions.

Metformin (Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd., which is an active ingredient of biguanide therapeutic agents for diabetes (generic name: Melbin), was orally administered to the rats of these groups in an amount of 300 mg/kg every morning for three days. A U-¹³C-glucose solution prepared by the method described in (1) of Experimental Example 1 was intravenously administered 3 hours after the administration of metformin on day 3.

Expired air was collected in the rats of each group before the U-¹³-glucose administration (0 minutes) and at each point in time (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 80, 100, and 120 minutes) after the U-¹³C-glucose administration. Δ¹³(‰) was determined with a mass spectrometer for expired air analysis (ABCA: produced by Sercon) from the concentration of ¹³CO₂ excreted in the expired air.

(2) Experimental Results

FIG. 12 shows changes in the Δ¹³C(‰) of the three groups (Group A: healthy group, Group B: diabetes severe onset group, and Group C: diabetes moderate onset group) before the administration of the therapeutic agent for diabetes (no treatment) (Group A: -♦-, Group B: -▪-, and Group C: -▴-) and changes in the Δ¹³C(‰) after the administration of the therapeutic agent for diabetes (Group B: -□- and Group C: -Δ-). In FIG. 12, the Δ¹³C(‰) is plotted on the ordinate, whereas the expired air collection time (minutes) after the U-¹³C-gluoose administration is plotted on the abscissa.

FIG. 12 shows that the expired air patterns (changes in the Δ¹³C(‰) in the expired air) in both of the two diabetes onset groups (Groups B and C) exhibited higher values by the administration of the therapeutic agent for diabetes, compared with those before the administration of the therapeutic agent for diabetes, and that the glucose metabolism ability was thus enhanced. Specifically, it is revealed that the treatment effect of a therapeutic agent for diabetes can be evaluated with the breath test of the present invention.

This experiment also reveals that the treatment effect of a therapeutic agent for diabetes can be confirmed in a short period of time, i.e., within three days, with a breath test using ¹³C-glucose, and in particular a breath test in which ¹³C-glucose is intravenously administered (HbAlc measurement obtained about one month after the start of drug treatment is typically used as an index for determination of the treatment effect of a drug).

Experimental Example 6 Evaluation of Treatment Effect After Administration of Insulin

A control group (Wistar rats, male, n=3) and a type 1 diabetes group (STZ rats, male, n=3) were used as experimental animals. In the experiment, these rats were allowed free access to water and feed (containing saccharide, fat, and protein) (MF: Oriental Yeast Co., Ltd.). More specifically, the following experiment was performed under non-fasting conditions.

Rats one week after STZ (streptosocin: SIGMA) were intravenously administered in an amount of 65 mg/mL/kg was used as the type 1 diabetes group (STZ rats).

Insulin (SIGMA) was subcutaneously administered to the type 1 diabetes group in an amount of 30 U/body. A 1-¹³C-glucose solution prepared by the method described in (1) of Experimental Example 1 was intravenously administered to the rats before the administration of insulin, 4 hours after the administration of insulin, or 24 hours after the administration of insulin (however insulin was not administered to the rats of the control group, which is a healthy group). Expired air was collected in the rats of the groups (control group, type 1 diabetes group, insulin-administered 4 h-diabetes group, and insulin-administered 24 h-diabetes group) before the 1-¹³C-glucose administration (0 minutes) and at each point in time (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 80, 100, and 120 minutes) after the 1-¹³C-glucose administration. Δ¹³C(‰) was determined with a mass spectrometer for expired air analysis (ABCA: produced by Sercon) from the concentration of ¹³CO₂ excreted in the expired air.

FIG. 13 shows the expired air patterns (changes in the Δ¹³C(‰)) of the rats of the groups (control group: -▪-, type 1 diabetes group: -□-, insulin-administered 4 h-diabetes group: -Δ-, and insulin-administered 24 h-diabetes group: -▴-). In FIG. 13, the Δ¹³C(‰) is plotted on the ordinate, whereas the expired air collection time (minutes) after the 1-¹³C-glucose administration is plotted on the abscissa. As is clear from the results of the insulin-administered 4 h-diabetes group (-Δ-) in FIG. 13, the Δ¹³C(‰) while the effect of insulin was sustained was almost the same as that of the control group. As is also clear from the results of the insulin-administered 24 h-diabetes group (-♦-), the expired air pattern (change in the Δ¹³C(‰)) showed a low value as a result of disappearance of the effect of insulin.

The above experimental results indicate that the breath test using ¹³C-glucose of the present invention makes it possible to confirm the effect of insulin on diabetic patients. 

1. A method for measuring glucose metabolism ability of a subject, the method comprising steps (a) and (b) below: (a) administering a composition to the subject and collecting expired air, the composition comprising, as an active ingredient, glucose labeled with at least one isotope of C, wherein the glucose is converted in the body into labeled carbon dioxide that is excreted in expired air; and (b) determining the ratio of labeled CO₂ amount to unlabeled CO₂ amount or the ratio of labeled CO₂ amount to total CO₂ amount.
 2. The method for measuring glucose metabolism ability according to claim 1, further comprising step (c) below: (c) comparing “the ratio of labeled CO₂ amount to unlabeled CO₂ amount or the ratio of labeled CO₂ amount to total CO₂ amount” obtained in the subject in step (b) (subject value) with “the ratio of labeled CO₂ amount to unlabeled CO₂ amount or the ratio of labeled CO₂ amount to total CO₂ amount” of a healthy subject (control value), and determining that the glucose metabolism ability of the former subject is decreased when the subject value is lower than the control value and that the glucose metabolism ability of the former subject is enhanced when the subject value is higher than the control value.
 3. The method for measuring glucose metabolism ability according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a subject in a glucose-loaded state is subjected to step (a).
 4. The method for measuring glucose metabolism ability according to claim 3, wherein the subject in a glucose-loaded state is a subject that has taken, before step (a), a saccharide, a food or beverage comprising a saccharide, or a food or beverage comprising a component that is metabolized to a saccharide.
 5. A method for detecting a stage before onset of diabetes or/and a stage after onset of diabetes in a subject, using, as an index, glucose metabolism ability of the subject obtained by the method for measuring glucose metabolism ability according to any one of claims 1 to
 4. 6. The method for detecting a diabetes stage according to claim 5, comprising the step of determining that a subject whose glucose metabolism ability is determined to be enhanced by the method for measuring glucose metabolism ability according to any one of claims 1 to 4 is in a stage before onset of diabetes.
 7. The method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein a correlation between a blood glucose level and an “area under the Δ¹³C(‰)-expired air collection time t curve (Δ¹³C(‰)AUC_(t)),” a Δ¹³C(‰) value at at least one point in time (t) after test sample administration (Δ¹³C(‰)AUC_(t)/insulin), or “Δ¹³C(‰)_(t)/insulin” is used as an index of glucose metabolism ability of a subject obtained by the method for measuring glucose metabolism ability according to any one of claims 1 to 4, and a stage before onset of diabetes or/and a stage after onset of diabetes in the subject is detected from the correlation.
 8. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, comprising the step of determining that a subject is in a stage before onset of diabetes or/and a stage after onset of diabetes when the “Δ¹³C(‰)AUC_(t)/insulin” or “Δ¹³C(‰)_(t)/insulin” of the subject is lower than the “Δ¹³C(‰) AUC_(t)/insulin” or “Δ¹³C(‰)_(t)/insulin” of a healthy subject.
 9. A method for detecting the effect of treatment for diabetes on a diabetic patient, using, as an index, glucose metabolism ability of the diabetic patient obtained by the method for measuring glucose metabolism ability according to any one of claims 1 to
 4. 10. The method according to claim 9, comprising the step of comparing glucose metabolism ability of a subject measured before treatment for diabetes with glucose metabolism ability of the subject measured after the treatment for diabetes, and determining that the treatment for diabetes is effective in the subject based on an increase in glucose metabolism ability after the treatment for diabetes compared with glucose metabolism ability before the treatment for diabetes.
 11. A composition for measuring glucose metabolism ability, the composition comprising, as an active ingredient, glucose labeled with at least one isotope of C, wherein the glucose is converted in the body into labeled carbon dioxide that is excreted in expired air.
 12. Use of a composition in a breath test for measuring glucose metabolism ability, the composition comprising, as an active ingredient, glucose labeled with at least one isotope of C wherein the glucose is converted in the body into labeled carbon dioxide that is excreted in expired air.
 13. Use of a composition in a breath test for determining a stage before onset of diabetes or/and a stage after onset of diabetes, the composition comprising, as an active ingredient, glucose labeled with at least one isotope of C, wherein the glucose is converted in the body into labeled carbon dioxide that is excreted in expired air. 